New CCG powerful icebreaker under construction at Seaspan Vancouver Shipyards

John G. Diefenbaker, considered as one of the largest and most powerful in the world icebreakers, is currently under construction at Seaspan Vancouver Shipyards. The vessel will serve for the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) the as part of the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy (NSPS).

The design of the 150-metre vessel, which is based on the polar class two requirements of Lloyd's Register, is a result of collaboration between the Canadian Coast Guard, Imtech, VARD Marine and Aker Arctic Technology. Furthermore, John G. Diefenbaker is one of the first vessel awarded Icebreaker(+) class notation.

Having been designed with the ability to break 2.5m of snow-covered ice and icebreaking endurance exceeding 25 days, the vessel will operate autonomously for nine months of the year in the Canadian Arctic and adjacent waters.

The maximum speed of John G. Diefenbaker in open waters will be around 20 knots, but normally she will cruise at about 12 knots. With logistical endurance of about 270 days, her open water range is 26,200 nm.